Cain Velazquez took responsibility for his actions while making a statement in court Monday before sentenced the judge to five years in prison after he sued the judge for accusations of attempted murder.
The former UFC heavyweight champion, first arrested in February 2022, was allowed to speak in court before Judge Arthur Bokanegra issued his sentence. Velazquez faces numerous felony charges after chasing the car in a vehicle that includes Harry Goallete, who was accused of abusing the young son of a fighter at a daycare owned by his mother, fired a handgun, and headed for a high-speed 11-mile chase.
Eventually, Goularte’s stepfather Paul Bender was hit by a bullet, but suffered a life-threatening injury before Velazquez was successfully arrested. Speaking to court on Monday, Velazquez apologised for his actions.
“I’m really sorry,” Velazquez told the court following many reports. “My actions were reckless and extremely dangerous. I am embarrassed and regretted how I treated myself on my day of crime.
“Of all this, I want safe healing for my family, and I want Gulartes to have a safe healing. I want safe healing for my community.”
The prosecutors in the case had sought Velázquez’s 30-year life sentence, but his defense argued for time and probation.
Ultimately, Bocanegra sided with less punishment, pointing out that his family was victimized by his involvement in a child abuse case of his young son, just as much as Velazquez had to pay for his crimes.
Velazquez was sentenced to five years in prison, but he has already been credited with one to 283 days of service, counting his past prisons and house arrest.
Velazquez will ultimately serve in prison for less than two years, and is expected to be even less depending on the credit he receives for good behavior.
Velazquez, who was adjacent to friends and family in court, was instantly permitted with his wife and children before he was taken into custody.